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Politics

Priyanka Gandhi’s Maiden LS Speech: Slams BJP for Undermining Constitution

Gandhi also criticized the government for undermining reservation policies through privatization and lateral entry schemes, while favouring corporate interests.

Priyanka Gandhi’s Maiden LS Speech: Slams BJP for Undermining Constitution

Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi in Lok Sabha on Friday. Screenshot from a Sansad TV video.

The Lok Sabha on Friday, December 13, saw a sharp exchange between Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and first-time MP Priyanka Gandhi during a debate marking the 75th anniversary of the Indian Constitution.

In her maiden speech as the newly elected MP from Wayanad, Gandhi accused the government of undermining the Constitution’s principle of unity in diversity by fostering fear and distrust.

She referred to the Constitution as India’s “suraksha kawach” (safety armor), asserting that its ideals were being violated by those in power.

“Our Constitution is a 'suraksha kavach'—a shield that protects citizens, upholds justice, fosters unity, and guarantees the Right to Express. It is disheartening to witness that over the past 10 years, those on the ruling side, despite their lofty claims, have relentlessly attempted to dismantle this very 'kavach',” Gandhi said.

Countering her remarks, Singh credited the Constitution as an embodiment of India’s civilizational values, not a colonial relic as some claim. He criticized the Congress for past constitutional violations, citing the Emergency and frequent impositions of President’s Rule in states.

Highlighting the BJP’s achievements, Singh lauded the Modi government for empowering marginalized groups, enacting progressive laws like the Naari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, and implementing welfare schemes for housing, healthcare, and sanitation.

“Our Constitution enables a person from a humble background to become Prime Minister or President. This spirit was ignored for years, but our government is committed to upholding it,” Singh said. He emphasized the importance of balancing constitutional rights (adhikar) with duties (kartavya).

Singh also acknowledged leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru for their contributions but stressed that others outside the Constituent Assembly, including Sardar Patel, Bhagat Singh, and Veer Savarkar, had shaped its ethos.

He accused the Congress of monopolizing the Constitution’s legacy and downplaying contributions from leaders like Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerji.

Responding sharply, Gandhi questioned the government’s delay in implementing the Naari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam.

“Why should women wait another 10 years for its benefits? Implement it now,” she demanded.

She accused the BJP of invoking the Constitution selectively while systematically weakening it.

“Our Constitution is India’s Constitution (Bharat ka Samvidhan), not the RSS’s legislation (Sangh ka Vidhaan),” Gandhi remarked, adding that it empowers citizens to hold governments accountable. She claimed that BJP’s newfound reverence for the Constitution stemmed from their poor performance in the Lok Sabha polls. “If not for the election results, they would have started altering the Constitution,” she alleged.

Gandhi also criticized the government for undermining reservation policies through privatization and lateral entry schemes, while favouring corporate interests.

“Airports, railways, and highways are being handed over to one person,” she said, referring to alleged cronyism involving Adani.

Highlighting societal divisions and rising fear, Gandhi said, “Journalists, professors, farmers, and activists face attacks—sometimes by the ED, sometimes by the police.”

She further criticized the government for avoiding debates and said the Prime Minister had attended parliamentary sessions for less than 10 minutes during her tenure.

Concluding her speech with a powerful note, Gandhi remarked, “Our history shows that cowards cannot rule India for long. The Constitution ensures that cowards don’t remain in power. Satyamev Jayate—Truth alone triumphs.”

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